Page 33 of The Death
“She’s the one who will probably be punished,” Kontara said harshly. “Don’t let her go near them!”
“You’re perfectly free to tell her that,” Dominic said. “She wants to talk to you anyway. I’m sure she wants to set up her lesson plan to help you become a deadly scourge to anyone who tries to hurt you.”
“Dominic, listen to me,” Kontara said fiercely, “I repeat. Don’t let her go near them.”
“I’ll let you get on with preparing your meal. You’ve had such great reviews from Rashid and me that Celine can’t wait to try it.” He was moving toward the door. “And Kontara… Don’t worry.”
CHAPTER
10
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
TWO DAYS LATER
Hi, Dad!” Michael ran out of the main testing hall and gave Joe a quick hug. “You’re right on time. I just finished my last final. I’ll run back to the residence hall and get my computer and suitcase. Are Jane and Caleb already at the airport?”
“You bet they are,” Joe said. “Jane called me while I was on the way here and told me that I should get you to Caleb’s plane as quick as I could. She needs you to distract Cira while she finishes that portrait she’s doing to give to Eve when we get to the Lake Cottage. She said Caleb’s busy filing the flight plan, and the baby is so restless she won’t stay still.”
“But Cira’s okay?” Michael frowned over his shoulder as he reached the steps of the residence. “They’re both okay?”
“Fine as can be. Cira may be a little too energetic for Jane at the moment. You seem to be the only one who’s able to keep that little girl occupied for any length of time.”
“It’s because I’m her big brother.” Michael grinned mischievously. “Maybe she knows that I’ve been through all thethings she’s going through now, so I can give her tips on how to handle all of them.”
His dad gave a mock groan. “That’s all we need—two of you to contend with.”
Michael’s grin faded. “I told Mom that I thought Cira was worried about something. Maybe about Jane. But you said Jane is fine.”
“And she is,” Joe said. “Now stop borrowing trouble. If there’s any problem, we’ll manage it. Enjoy this vacation, and we’ll see if we can’t talk your mom into coming back with us when it’s over. I’m tired of being without her, aren’t you?”
“Yeah,” Michael said gruffly. “Nothing’s quite the same. I know what you’re doing is important, but she’s… Mom. We need to be close so that we can take care of her.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Joe said. “Though we both are going to have a tough time convincing your mom she needs taking care of. But we’ll worry about that later now that we’re on the same page. Go pick up your computer and other belongings. I’ll pull the car around in front so that I can pick you up. Let’s get to the airport so Cira won’t drive Jane crazy.”
“I’ll be right out.” Michael took the stone steps two at a time and then disappeared through the tall front doors of the residence hall.
Joe pulled the car over into a parking spot and turned off the engine. The lot was mostly empty, and the usual number of students weren’t sitting outside on the steps studying and chattering. They were all probably going home for school break, like Michael. It was a fine school, and Michael had made the most of his time here. It would be good if he could continue to attend, but if that wasn’t in the cards then he wouldadjust as he always did and come out on top. Because that was Michael.
Joe leaned back in his seat and started to wait.
Ten minutes passed.
Fifteen minutes.
Something might be wrong. Michael was super efficient. He would have had his bags packed and ready to grab when he ran back from the testing hall.
Another five minutes passed.
No Michael.
Joe was out of the car and running up the entrance steps and down the hall toward Michael’s dorm room. “Michael!” He flung open the door. Michael’s neatly packed suitcases were lying tossed on the bed.
No computer case.
But there was something else…
Just inside the bathroom door…
